Chess Tie-Break Systems Explained: Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger & More

Tie-breaks are among the most passionately debated topics in competitive chess. When tournament trophies, prize money, or qualification spots are on the line, selecting and ordering your tie-break criteria before the first pawn moves is an essential duty of every tournament director.

Here is an exhaustive breakdown of the six most popular chess tie-breaks recognized by FIDE.

1. Direct Encounter (Head-to-Head)

If two players tie on score and played against each other during the tournament, the winner of their individual game is placed higher. If the game was drawn, or if three or more tied players did not all play each other, Direct Encounter is inconclusive and the next tie-break is applied.

2. Buchholz System (BH) and Buchholz Cut 1 (BH-C1)

Primary tie-break for Swiss events. Sums the total tournament points of all opponents faced. Buchholz Cut 1 drops the lowest opponent score to protect against round 1 blowouts.

3. Sonneborn-Berger (SB)

Primary tie-break for Round Robin events. You add the final scores of opponents you defeated, plus half the scores of opponents you drew. Zero points are earned from opponents who defeated you.

4. Koya System

Common in elite Grandmaster Round Robin events. Measures a player's score against opponents who achieved 50% or more of the available points in the tournament.

5. Most Black Wins (BWG) & Number of Wins

Playing with Black carries a recognized opening disadvantage. When tied on Buchholz, arbiters reward aggressive play by prioritizing the player who won the most games, particularly with Black.

6. Tournament Performance Rating (TPR)

Calculates the exact FIDE performance rating of the player based on the average rating of their opponents and their score percentage, using official FIDE rating difference tables.

Frequently Asked Questions